Molding clips



Nov. 29, 1955 L. H. FLORA ET AL 2,724,883

MOLDING CLIPS Filed May 6, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 '.-..-17T I =--I.W.

INVENTORS Zm/eEA/CF 1 4084 ATTORNEY Nov. 29, 1955 L. H. FLORA El AL2,724,883

MOLDING CLIPS iled May 6, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR$ Mama/c5 H.F1054 J/m/ EAz/A/r BY 4.4%W

ATTORNEY United States Patent MOLDING CLIPS Laurence H. Flora and JohnBalint, Cleveland, Ohio, assignors to Tinnermann Products, Inc.,Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application May 6, 1953, SerialNo. 353,278

6 Claims. (Cl. 24-73) This invention relates generally to clips orfasteners for securing moldings, trim strips, and the like, onto asupporting structure and deals, more particularly, with improvedconstructions for molding clips or fasteners of this character which areadapted for securing a molding of varying width, or for securing varioussizes of moldings in different widths.

In many instances, the construction of a molding clip or fastener issuch that it is suitable for use only with a molding or trim strip ofone width or size, and accordingly, a complete line of clips indifferent sizes must be provided for moldings of various widths orsizes. In the use of a molding clip or fastener suitable for securingvarious sizes of moldings in different widths, considerable savings andimportant advantages are involved inasmuch as only a single set of diesis required for making the clips and there is no problem of stocking andcataloguing various sizes of clips. Moreover, manufacturing variationsand inconsistencies frequently develop in the production of themoldings, particularly when made of plastic, such that the inner wallsof the moldings are not always precise and uniform throughout'theirlengths. Consequently, in the use of molding clips or fasteners suitableonly for a specific size of molding and which must fit precisely withinthe inner wall of themolding, there are usually several clips in aninstallation which are so loosely connected to the molding that themolding is not secured properly with complete elfectivenms in the mannerintended.

In a further relation, in the moldings provided on present dayautomobile bodies, cabinet structures, and the like, the moldings areusually designed for a streamlined etfect by providing the same in agradually increasing width from a narrow point at one end to arelatively wide flaring portion at the other end thereof. Accordingly,in these instances, it is highly desirable and advantageous, of course,to secured such a molding by a single size clip or fastener which isadaptable to any width of the molding along the length thereof.

It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide animproved construction for molding clips or fasteners of this characterin which the portion of the fastener to be attached to the molding, orthe like, is provided by a pair of pivoted head membersdefining ascissors-like head having relatively yieldable shoulders which extendgenerally lengthwise in connected relation with the molding and whichare yieldable transversely of the molding so as to be readily adjustablefor connection to a molding of varying width or to different moldings ofvarious widths, while otherwise adapted for effective, proper connectionto moldings of a standard size in a manner to compensate formanufacturing variations and irregularities in the formation of themoldings.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved constructionfor molding clips or fasteners having an adjustable head comprising apair of pivoted head members in a scissors-like formation, as aforesaid,together with a yieldable spring element connected .to said 2 pivotedhead members and providing the same with an automatic adjustment adaptedfor connection to a molding of varying width at spaced points along thelength thereof, or to different moldings of various widths.

Another object of the invention is to provide an im-' provedconstruction for molding clips or fasteners of this character in whichthe pivoted, scissors-like head members of the fastener are integrallyconnected with the spring element in a simplified structure formed froma single piece of sheet metal.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved constructionfor such molding clips or fasteners comprising a pair of scissors-likehead members pivotally connected by a stud in the form of a bolt orscrew which also serves as the shank of the fastener, and further, withsaid scissors like head members having a spring element connectedtherebetween for providing an automatic adjustment of said scissors-likehead members.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved constructionfor molding clips or fasteners, such as described, comprising a pair ofscissors-like head members pivotally connected by a shank defined by astud element integrally formed on one head member and secured in anopening in the other head member, and further, with said scissors-likehead members having an integral spring element connected therebetweenfor providing an automatic adjustment of said scissors-like headmembers.

Further objects and advantages of the invention, and other new anduseful features in the construction, arrangement and general combinationof elements and details of construction of the improved molding clips orfasteners of the invention will be readily apparent as the followingdescription proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, forpurposes of illustration but not of limitation, in which like referencecharacters designate like parts throughout, and in which:

Fig. l is a plan or elevational view of 'a mounting for a molding whichvaries in width from a narrow point at one end to a relatively wide areaat the other end thereof, and illustrates in broken lines the generalmanner in which molding clips of the same size are adapted to beconnected at various points along the length of such a molding ofvarying width;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from the top and side of the molding clipemployed for securing the narrower portion of the molding seen at theleft of Fig. l, and shows the connection of the scissors-like headmembers of the clip or fastener with the inturned flanges of themolding, the crown of the molding being omitted;

Fig. 3 is a similar perspective view from the top and side of themolding clip employed for securing the wider portion of the molding seenat the right of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view along line 4-4 of of Fig. 1,looking in the direction of the arrows; and,

Fig. 5 is a bottom plan view of one of the molding clips or fastenersshown employed in Figs. 14, inclusive.

Fig. 6 is a plan or elevational view similar to Fig. 1,

showing a mounting for a molding which varies in width 7 from a narrowpoint at one end to a relatively wide area at the other end thereof, andillustrates in broken lines another construction for molding clips orfasteners of the same size which are connected at various points alongsuch a molding of varying width;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view from the top and side of the molding clipemployed for securing the narrower portion of the molding seen at theleft of Fig. 6, and shows the connection of the scissors-like headmembers of the clip with the inturned flanges of the molding, the crownof the molding being omitted;

Fig. 8 is a similar perspective view from the top and side of themolding fastener securing the wider portion ..of the molding seen at theright of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9. is a transverse sectional view, as along line 99 of Fig. 8,looking in thedirection of the arrows, and shows this form of moldingclip as connected to the inturnedflanges ofthe molding and secured in anopening inthe supporting part;

Fig. lO-is' a side elevationalview of the molding clip or fastenershownemployed-in Figs. 69, inclusive; and,

Fig. 11 is a bottom plan view of a molding clip or fastener showninFigs. 6-9, inclusive.

For purposes of illustration, the improved moldingclips or fasteners of.the invention are shown as used-in connection with a molding M of a typeemployed inautomobile body decoration wherein the molding comprisesanfelong'ate, hollow rolled length of sheet metal which tapers inwidth'from a relatively narrow end seen at the left of Fig. 1 to arelatively wider area illustrated at the right ofFig. 1. The top orcrown f the molding Mlis suitably decorative and the interior of saidmolding Mis in the nature of a hollow channel-shaped wall havinginturned flanges 3 along the longitudinal edges thereof.

the invention are provided in an improved-construction comprising anadjustable or variable size head defined by v apair of substantiallysimilar head members pivotally connected ma scissors-like formationtogether with a yieldable'spring element positioned between said pivotedhead members in an arrangement-whereby said head members may be readilycompressed or contracted for easy a'nd quickv attachment in connectionwith the inturned flanges 3 of. the molding, and said head membersthereupon automatically expanded by said spring element for mosteffective engagement with the area of the molding, to which said.pivoted head members are attached, even though the molding is ofvarying width along the length. thereof as illustrated in Fig. l; andthus, a single size of the molding clips or fasteners in accordance withthe,inyention are .readily adapted for attachment to such a molding ofvaryingwidth at practically any area along the length thereof.

The molding clip or fastener 10,- Figs. l-.-5, inclusive, is providedwith a head comprising a pair of substantiallysimilar head members 12,16, and a spring-element 2Q integrallyconnected to the outer sides ofsaid head members12 and 16, ina manner whereby the entire head member isreadily formed from a single stamping of sheet metal. The clips orfasteners may be constructed from. any. suitable .sheet metal,preferably spring steel or cold rolled steel having springcharacteristics. The head members 12 and.16,are'provided in the form ofelongate substantially.fiatsuperposed plates, or the like, which arepivQtally connected intermediate the ends thereof,

preferably at substantially the mid-portions of said head members .12,16,, in an arrangement whereby said'head mernbers are adaptedfor.relative pivotal movement in the planes thereof. The upper head member12 has the.

outer forward end thereof rounded or curved to define a cam shoulderr13while the rearward end thereof issuit ably recessed to provide .a pairof.spaced shoulders. 14, one or, the other or both of which are adaptedforefiective connection with. the associated inturned flange 3 of themolding depending on the .cross-sectional contour of the molding area towhich the clip is attached. The lower head member 16, likewise, has theouter forward end thereof rounded or curved to provide a cam shoulder 17while the rearward end thereof forms the shoulder 18.

The head member 12 is provided withan upturned web 15, on itsouterforward side which is integrally connected to one end of a strip 20 inthe form of a U-shaped spring element extending toward the rear of thehead members 12,16, and having its other end integrallyconnected to asimilar upturned web 19 on the outer forwardside of the lower headmember 16. r

The superposed head members 12, 16, thus provided, are pivotallyconnected intermediate their ends by a bolt,

22 the shank of which extends'through aligned passages 20 In general,molding clips or fasteners in accordance with insaid-head members 12;16. Thebo1t22-isprovided with a square or other flat faced neck adjacentthe head thereof which includes corner lugs 23 that extend through andclear the periphery of the enlarged passage 25 in the upper head member12, Fig. 4, but fit snugly in the smaller passage 26 in the lower headmember 16, as shown in Fig. 5, where said corner lugs 23 are peenedoutwardly or otherwise staked'against the marginal portions ofsaid-passage 2 6;in the lower-headmember 16* to anchor the bolt 22- inafixed nonrotatable connection with said lower head member; '16; Theupper headi-member 12, however, is. free, to pivot relatively to thebolt 22 by reason of the enlarged bolt passage 25 therein, andaccordingly, said upper head member 12 is adapted for a correspondingpivotal movement, in the plane thereof, relatively to the lower headmember 16 which is staked to the bolt 22, as aforesaid. Preferably, saidhead members12' and-16 are arched or bowedalong their lengths so. thatsaidhead members are resilient and adapted to exert'a resilient springforce axially of the shank 'of the clip in fastening position-in amanner whereby the parts of the assembly. are secured'under constantspring tension.

The integral springelement 20 connected to each of said headmembers 12';16; is adapted to yield in accordance with the relative; pivotalmovement of saidhead members 12,16,'andwhen the clip orfastener 10 isnormally untensioned, the ends of the pivotedheadmembers 12 16, arespread apart by said spring element 20' to substantially their maximumspacing. The cam shou1= ders 13; 17, respectively, on the pairof-forward ends-of said=head members 12, 16, andthe shoulders 14, 18,

respectively, on the pair of rearward ends thereof are adaptedto move.toward each other when either of said pairof ends of the head members12, 1;6=are moved 1aterally'toward each other in a scissors-likearrangement. Thus, a compress ionor contraction of the cam shoulders 13,17 to ;move the same toward each other willcauserelative pivotalmovement of saidpivotally connected head tensioned condition and thereby-urges said shoulders'13,

17, and=14,-18,: outwardly toward their maximum spread apart relation,as aforesaid} Thenarrangement, accordingly, is such that in attachingthe head members -12, 16, of a clip 10 in connected relatiomwith theinturned flanges 3 of the molding M,

either. the forward or rearward ends ofsaid pivoted head members.12,:16are compressed toward each other as necessary. to permit said shoulders13,'-17-'and 14', 18 to-pass between the spaced edges-ofthe inturnedflanges 3 of the molding. When the force causing-said shoulders 13,17-

and 14,1'1810 move-toward each other is removed, said shoulders.automatically spring outwardly under the' force ofsaid-biasedspring..element-20 into overlapping connected relationwiththe inturnedflanges 3 of the molding as illustrated-in Figs, 2 and 3. The shoulders13, 17'

and 14, 18, do not spread apart to their maximum spacing, but rather,remain slightly compressed toward each.

otherinengagement ,with' the corners of the molding adi en t ei t rndflan e i' e v cont nu y ficet ve spring tension supplied by thetarmsofthe tensioned 0r.

as d j zs ards in em n a m s taa a iva a r t te x xo r d i a t-p c-wvision of the head members 12, 16, in a scissors-like folmation wherebythe shoulders 13, 17, and 14, 18, are adapted to move readily inwardlyand thence outwardly to i connect properly and efiectively at differentpoints along a molding of varying width, or with moldings of difierentwidths, and otherwise compensate for any manufacturing variations in asupply of moldings in a specific size as provided for mass productionmethods of assembly. In this regard, the cam surfaces of the shoulders13, 17, are adapted to slide and cam against the corners of the moldingin a manner whereby the shoulders 13, 17, and 14, 18, are automaticallyseated most elfectively in connected relation with the molding M, andwith the bolt 22 projecting from the underside of said molding M insubstantially normal relation thereto. This automatic seating action ofthe head members of the clip considerably reduces the time required forapplying the molding, inasmuch as said head members do not have to beprecisely positioned or aligned prior to attachment in connectedrelation with the molding.

In completing an installation of a molding M substantially shown inFigs. 1 and 4, it will be understood that as many of the molding clipsor fasteners 10 as are necessary or desirable are easily and quicklyconnected to the molding M, with full effectiveness, at spaced pointsalong the length thereof, even though the molding is of varying widthinasmuch as the scissors-like head members 12, 16, of each molding clip10 are adapted for ready contraction and automatic expansion for thispurpose, as aforesaid. Each of the molding clips 10 is easily andquickly attached to the molding M simply by positioning the head members12, 16, of the clip lengthwise of the molding M with the shoulders 13,17, and 14, 18, on said head members in position to slip under theadjacent inturned flanges 3 of the molding M and with the shank of thebolt 22 projecting from the underside of said molding M. Thescissors-like head members 12, 16, are thereupon subjected to a pivotalmovement so as to be contracted transversely of the molding M asnecessary to permit the shoulders 13, 17, and 14, 18, on the ends ofsaid head members 12, 16, to pass between the edges of the inturnedflanges 3 of the molding, whereupon the spring element 20 provides areverse pivotal movement of said head members 12, 16 to automaticallyexpand said shoulders 13, 17, and 14, 18, into overlapping connectedrelation with said inturned flanges 3 of the molding and in tensionedengagement with the corners of the molding adjacent said flanges 3. Thisconnected relation of the molding clips 10 with the molding M issubstantially identical whether at a narrow region of the molding M asseen in Fig. 2, or at a wider area thereof as seen in Fig. 3, inasmuchas the scissors-like head members 12, 16 of the clips are sufiicientlyadjustable to adapt the same for effective connection to the molding Mat any point along the length thereof even though the molding is ofvarying width, as aforesaid.

The molding M is then ready to be applied to the supporting part P whichis prepared with a suitable number of shank receiving openings 5, Fig.4, along the path which said molding M extends in mounted positionthereon and with such stud receiving openings having a predeterminedspacing corresponding to and spacing of the shanks of the bolts 22 onthe clips in connected relation with the molding M. The shank of thebolt 22 in each'clip 10 is inserted into its respective opening 5 in thesupporting panel P with said shank projecting from the underside thereofwhere it is secured in the usual manner by a nut N, Fig. 4, to completethe installation of the molding M, substantially as shown in Figs. 1 and4.

Figs. 611, inculsive, show another form of molding clip or fastener 30,in accordance with the invention, which is generally similar inapplication and use to that described with reference to Figs. l5,inclusive. This embodiment of the invention is advantageous in that itis provided in an all sheet metal construction formed from a singlepiece of sheet metal to include an integral shank adapted to be securedin an opening in the supporting part in the manner of a snap studwithout need for a bolt or nut or other extraneous securing means.

The clip 30 is provided with a generally similar head comprising a pairof pivoted head members 12, 16, having cam shoulders 13, 17,respectively, on their forward ends and shoulders 14, 18, respectively,on their rearward ends, and the same type of integral spring 20connected to web portions 15, 19, respectively, on the outer forwardsides of said head members 12, 16. In general, the upper head member 12is provided with one or more stud elements which extend through apassage in the lower head member 16 to provide the pivoted connection ofsaid head members 12, 16, while otherwise defining a shank which servesto secure the clip in the opening 6 in the supporting part as shown inFig. 9. In a preferred construction, the lower head member 16 isprovided with a simple circular passage 32, and the upper head element12 is stamped with a pair of strip-like leg or shank elements 35 onopposite sides of an integral portion in the center of said head member12, and said leg members 35 bent in the same general direction to theunderside of said head member 12 to define a stud which extends throughsaid passage 32 in the lower head member 16.

The leg members 35 are formed with resilient tabs 36, or the like,provided by partially severed portions which are bent outwardly out ofthe planes of said leg members 35 so that the free ends of said tabs 36are adapted to snap through the passage 32 in the lower head member 16and engage marginal portions at the underside of said passage 32 toretain said leg members 35 in assembled relation in said passage 32 andthereby pivotally connect said head members 12, 16, for operation in thesame general manner as in the previously described form of theinvention. The shank elements 35 may be formed to provide a snapfastening stud, or the like, of any suitable character, and, in thepresent example, the free ends of said shank elements 35 are bent todefine outwardly diverging guide surfaces 37 merging into inwardly bentportions defining outwardly projecting abutments 38 adapted for snapfastening engagement with marginal portions of the panel opening 6 inpart P, as shown in Fig. 9.

The molding clips or fasteners 30, thus provided, are. assembled withthe molding M by attaching the scissors-- like head members 12, 16, inconnected relation with the inturned flanges 3 of the molding in thesame procedure described with reference to the form of the in-- ventionshown in Figs. 1-5, inclusive, with the shank of each clip 30 defined bythe leg elements 35 projecting from the underside of the said molding M.In mounting the molding M, the projecting shank of each clip 30 isreadily entered into its associated opening 6 in the panel P or othersupport inasmuch as said legs 35 preferably taper to a point which ismuch smaller than the size of the panel opening 6.

Axial pressure is then applied to the crown 1 of the molding M to movethe shank legs 35 axially into the panel opening 6, whereupon theoutwardly diverging guide surfaces 37 cam against the marginal edges ofsaid panel opening 6 to cause a gradual contraction of said legs 35 asnecessary for the same to pass through said opening 6 to a position inwhich the abutments 38 spring outwardly into engagement with marginalportions of said panel opening 6, Fig. 9, to secure said fastener 30 inapplied position mounting the molding M on the supporting part P, asseen in Fig. 6.

The head members 12, 16, of the molding clip of Figs. l-5, inclusive,and the complete molding clip of Figs. 6l1, inclusive, are constructedof relatively thin sheet metal, the thickness of which is selectedaccording to service requirements and the predetermined size of themolding or similar part to be secured. The clips or fasteners are'mosteffective when provided of spring metal suitably tQmp611daa 1dOthQrW1SQtreated to giVfiathGadC-x sired toughness and hardness, A ,cheap;-andhighly -sat.-

isfactory clip orgfastener mays bewconstructedzfrom cold rolled metal,such as :COld IOllBdL'SlZGCLH which: is untem peredbut of aspring,,metal-nature andrcapableaof proe viding an eifectivegandreliable clip or-fastener 'foramoldingginstallation;orthe like,inzaccordance with theinvention;

While the inventionrhas-beendescribed-,in'detailwithspecificexamples,suehxexamples are intended asillus trations-only,inasmuch ;as it is quite apparent" that=modifications; in theconstruction; arrangement,- -,and general -1 combination of parts andelementszofithe clips-or fasteners oftheinventrion maybe providedwithoutdeparting i from the spirit and scope .of the: invention" What is-claimed is-:

1. A 'fastenercomprising' a pair" of-sheehmetal'head.' members'rnovablerelatively to eachother in'.-the.pl'anes' thereofjand having overlappingportionsand at least'two 2O overlapping portions of said head membersso-that-said free end portions, pivot;means pivotally connectingsaidtree end portionsare adapted-for lateral movement relatively to eachother, a normallyexpandedvspring; connected to said free end portions ofsaid head membersandw urging said free end portions outwardlyfrom-eachother, said pivot means comprising at least one integral studelement on one head imember extending through a passage; in the otherhead member.

2; A fastener'havinga head comprisingaa pair of sheet metalheadmembersmovable relatively to each other provide overlappingportionsand a pair of free end portions at each end ofrsaid head, pivot-means,pivotally connecting said overlapping-portions of said head mem bers sothat each pair of saidfree end portions is adapted for lateral movementrelatively toeach other, a normally expanded spring connected to onepair of said free end portions. and urging saidfree; end portionsoutwardly from-each other, said pivot means comprisingzat least one;integral stud element on one head member extend ing through a passageinthe otherihead member.

3. A fastener comprising a pairof sheet metal head members movablerelatively to each other in the planes thereof and havingoverlappingportionsiand-at leasttwo free end portions, pivot meanspivotally connecting said overlapping portions of said head members sothat .said free end portions are-adapted for lateral movement relatively to each other, said pivot means comprising .an area of theoverlapping-portion of one head member having a passage and a pair ofintegral stud elements carried by the overlapping portion of the otherhead member and 1 extending through said passage, and a normally"expanded spring connected tosaid free end portions of said head membersand urging said free end: portions outwardly from each other.

4. A fastener having a head comprisinga pair of sheet metal headmembersmovabl'e relatively to-each other in the -planes thereof and'arranged in crossed relation'to provide overlapping-portions and a pairof free'end portions at each end of=said head, pivot meanspivotally-connecting said overlapping portions of said head-members sothat each pair of said free end portions is adapted for lateral,movementrelativelyto each other, 'said 'pivot means comprising an areaof the overlapping portion of one head member having a passage and apair of'intein the'planes thereof-and arranged in crossed relation. to 1grai stud elements carried by the overlappingportion of v the other headmember extending through said passage, means on said fstud elementsengaging the marginal portion of saidpassagci to-secure saidstu'delements-therein;- and-a normally; expandedspring-.connectedto-vone pair of saide-fr'ee end portions of said headt-members and urging said ifree end aportions outwardly from each other;

5 Afast'ener hav-ing a hea'dtcom'prising a pair of sheet metalheadrrtembers1-movable relatively to each other in the-planes the-reot.'andarranged'in crossed" relation" to provide overlapp-inggport'ions anda-pai'roffr'ee end portions at' eaeh end of saidhead,pivot-meanspivotallyconneetin'g-gsaid overlappingwportions ofisaid head-members sowtthat-each pair ofFsaid-fr'ee end" portions I is adapted'for lateral: movement relatively to each-other, said pivotmeans-comprising an-area of-ithe overlappingportion' of oneiheadwimember having -a passa'ge and 'a pair-of inte gral=- stud elementscar'riedby the-overlappihg portion of the' other head memberextendingvthrough said passage-,- outwardly projecting tabs on said studelements engaging" the marginal portion of said passage to secure-saidstud element'sTther'ein-,'-and anorr'na'lly expanded "springconipnising-za-strip-mf sheetmetal having ,its ends integral with onepair-of said? free endportions of said sheet metal head members 1 and"urg-ing-'-said free endportions outwardly-fromeach-other;

6. :A fa'steningdevice ion-hollow moldingszhavi'ng in turnedopposedmounting :flanges; said device beinginherently-adjustablezto'accommodate a wide range "of moldingwidthsyincludi-ng ,:a bolt-havingahead/at one end, a-threaded shank atthe otherend and 'a noncircular clamping: member: supporting portionbetween said head and ashank portions, said head andnoncirc'ularportions supporting'molding clamping-.,means= and said:portions and'rclamping means bein'g zconstructed and-"arranged to he-wholly contai'ned withim'the-interior of the molding;said"clamping-meanscomprising a pair of molding engagingclamping membersmounted on said noncircular portionpeach of-saidimembers includingoppositely extendingwarms and one of said members having nonrotatableenga-gement withsaid bolt and the other of'said members rb'eingrotatably mounted thereon, and means securing 1 said imembers 1 on saidportion against movement axially of said bolt'while-exerting suflicientpressure against said References=Citedin-thefile of this patent UNITED*STATES PATENTS' 987,095 Bo'rita Mar.14, 1911 1,306,073 Mertens June 10,1919 1,396,279 Paine Nov. 8, 1921 1,602,451 Reardon Oct, 12, l9262,515,895 Poupitch" JulylS, 1950 2,531,348" Arnesb'ury Nov. 21, 19502,618,824' Poupitch Nov. 25, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 44,272 Denmark-dJune29, 1931 207j'3'9'0 Switzerland-Q Feb. 16, 1940

